Governor Stone schooner to receive official bronze plaque from National Park Service

Panama City, FL – October 17, 2017 – This month, the Governor Stone, Panama City, FL’s beloved National Historic Landmark will celebrate turning 140 years old by receiving an official bronze plaque from the National Park Service. The wooden schooner was completed on October 18, 1877 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Designated as a national historic landmark in 1991, The Governor Stone is the last known survivor of a class of vessels once numbering in the thousands. Since arriving in Panama City, Florida in 2001, the vessel has been devoted to educational programming and historic and cultural tourism along the Northern Gulf Coast.

“This vessel represents Panama City’s love for the water,” said Jennifer Vigil, Destination Panama City President and CEO. “Panama City is embraced by the shores of St. Andrews Bay, and sailing is huge part of our culture. Seeing the Governor Stone at the St. Andrews Marina is a must-do for all visitors.”

The schooner sails the St. Andrews Harbor on the second Saturday of each month, carrying passengers at no cost. All costs and maintenance are handled by the Friends of the Governor Stone, a nonprofit organization. The vessel sails as an enhancement to cultural, historical, and ecological education and community events in and around Panama City.

“The Governor Stone is a national treasure,” says President of Friends of the Governor Stone Kay Stone. “We have met so many people over the years who have played a role in the Governor Stone being around today. To mark this landmark occasion, we would like to invite everyone who has ever had anything to do with the vessel to come out and celebrate this historic occasion with us.”

The Governor Stone is a living museum. Docents onboard explain maritime construction, the history of the vessel, the schooner fleet and the times and people that the fleet supported. During sailings, passengers get a hands-on experience. There are no wenches on this schooner, so passenger manpower raises and controls the sails.

When not on an adventure, the Governor Stone can be found at St. Andrews Marina in slip #1.